Co-reaction of ethene and methanol was carried out over HZSM-5, P-La modified ZSM-5 (PLaHZ) and hydrothermal-treated PLaHZ catalysts. Hydrothermal treatment at high temperature sharply reduced the acidity of the catalyst, on which the direct conversion of ethene or methanol/dimethyl ether was almost completely suppressed. Co-feeding of ethene and methanol over the said catalyst resulted in considerable conversion of both reactants. Meanwhile, high propene selectivity (ca. 80%) was obtained at lower conversions. The methylation of ethene by methanol was responsible for the enhancement of conversions and propene selectivity in the co-reaction system. The further methylation of propene and the cracking of higher olefins were also operative under current reaction conditions. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.